Marco Van Huigenbos speaks at a rally outside of the Lethbridge Courthouse on November 4, 2022, days before his testimony to the public inquiry into the federal government's use of the Emergencies Act. (Image: Lethbridge News Now)

By David Opinko / with files from Canadian Press

Fort Macleod man to testify at Emergencies Act inquiry

Nov 8, 2022 | 11:35 AM

FORT MACLEOD, AB – A town councillor in Fort Macleod is set to take to the stage in Ottawa as the public inquiry into the federal government’s use of the Emergencies Act continues on Tuesday, November 8, 2022.

Marco Van Huigenbos is charged with mischief over $5,000 in connection to his alleged involvement in the Coutts border blockade in January and February 2022.

A media release from Alberta RCMP dated September 16, 2022, described Huigenbos as being one of several “key participants” in the protest.

He and two other men facing the charge most recently appeared in Lethbridge Provincial Court on Friday, November 4, 2022. Outside of the courthouse, approximately 500 people attended a rally in support of the trio.

Following his court appearance, Huigenbos told supporters that he was feeling “a little stressed out” about his upcoming testimony.

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“It’s a big thing. It’s not something 10 months ago, that I could have ever imagined, this, nevermind being put in front of the country,” said Huigenbos. “I’m just a small town Albertan who’s raising a family.”

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau invoked the Emergencies Act for the first time in Canadian history on February 14th, 2022, arguing that its temporary and extraordinary powers were needed to end an occupation in Ottawa and blockades at border crossings.

The Public Order Emergency Commission is examining the Liberal government’s decision to invoke the act.

The hearing can be viewed on the CPAC website.

by David Opinko / with files from Canadian Press